HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett’s office is warning the Pennsylvania Game Commission not to consider promoting a senior agency official to executive director.

Corbett’s objection came this week as the attorney general’s office weighs whether to approve a $220,000 game commission payment to its recently retired executive director to settle potential legal claims.

Corbett’s office says the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission is investigating whether William Capouillez had a conflict of interest stemming from his off-hours business negotiating oil and gas leases for private landowners with companies he frequently engaged as a game commission employee.

Ethics commission officials won’t confirm whether they’re investigating.

Game commission board president Robert Schlemmer said he wouldn’t identify finalists for the job.

Capouillez said he is disappointed by Corbett’s objection and questioned its motivation.